Auburn, Ala. - On Tuesday, November 5, the Auburn Public Library will collect donations of unexpired canned goods and nonperishable food items. Those who donate will be eligible to have one dollar in existing overdue fines waived for each food item donated. All food will be donated to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

“This is a unique opportunity for our patrons to settle up their accounts while also helping hungry families in east Alabama, especially during the holidays,” said Auburn Public Library director Chris Warren. “We’re also hoping that some people who have stopped using the library because of their fines will see this as a chance to put their accounts in good standing. We want to welcome these people back, while also helping our local food bank.”

Only existing overdue fines are eligible to be waived during the food drive. However, patrons with long overdue books, audiobooks, and movies in good condition are encouraged to return these items and donate to the food drive so their fines can be waived.

During the food drive, there is no maximum to the number of canned goods that patrons can donate and no maximum to the amount of overdue fines that can be waived. Patrons without overdue fines are also encouraged to donate. “Our goal is to help as many people as possible,” said Warren.